A gated, exclusive and wildly expensive neighborhood comes to mind when we think of private beach towns. But, who says privacy is only for wealthy people?
A private beach town is somewhere you can hear yourself think, take a walk along the shoreline whenever the day feels heavy and experience authentic sea-food. You are simply close to the ocean minus the theme-park style communities.
So, here we are with our list of beach towns that feel low-key and tucked-away. The best part? The median selling price is much lower than a typical flashy beach city like Miami or Hawaii. If you are onboard, let’s get rolling.
Image link: https://pixabay.com/photos/piran-town-sea-slovenia-beach-7675866/
It’s very difficult to get super cheap beach town properties. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have affordable options. In fact, doing your research itself can save you some bucks.
For example, property prices swing wildly from town to town. The same property if it’s “on the beach” will cost you more than one “near the beach.” That's why the median home sale price in Navarre (inland) is around 404K while Navarre beach has a median of 730K. The difference is crazy, right? You can save almost 326K easily by choosing the inland properties.
Next comes insurance. So, a seemingly affordable home in a beach town can become expensive later through insurance. The closer it is to the ocean, the more you have to pay for flood insurance. Currently, flood insurance (NFIP) averages around $1064 a year along with $2110 of regular homeowner’s insurance. So, that’s something to keep in mind.
And, last but not the least we have HOA fees. You see, the more amenity-heavy your community is, the higher the cost. Some societies charge up to $800/month as HOA fees. You can skip such areas with high maintenance fees to keep your lifestyle under budget.
It’s hard for people to think of anything other than Miami or Hawaii when they hear Florida. Yes, those places are flashy and pricey. But they are not the only beach towns in Florida. Here are some affordable alternatives.
It’s more like a small coastal community rather than a town. And, you can instantly spot the difference. There are fewer high-rise buildings compared to bigger, and more commercial Florida beach cities.
The median sale price is about $279,900 as of Nov, 2025. Even though price fluctuates a lot, it’s easier to find properties below the $300K mark.
Navarre beach, Florida is another affordable town with top-notch properties. If you search for properties near the beach (not on the beach), you can easily grab one within the $404K mark.
These parts of Florida are meant for buyers who value privacy over active nightlife.
Just like Florida, both North and South Carolina have coastal pockets that feel more private and residential without taking away your beach fantasies.
Sunset beach, North Carolina is one of the places. Despite being so close to the shoreline, it’s not designed for tourists. The neighborhood feels calm and quiet. Plus, the median sale price is only about $490K.
If you want to enjoy nature more, Edisto Beach town in South Carolina is another alternative. Unfortunately,the median sale price for this area is on the higher end (728K).But that’s because wealthy people choose this town for a private escape from the city noise.
We have to talk about Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Unlike our previous recommendations, it’s closer to popular beach towns in vibe. It’s not as quiet as the other private beach towns. The local energy is charming as well as the food.
It’s best for people who don’t want to abandon their city life completely. A property in Ocean Springs will get you access to the main town within a few minutes. So, you kind of have the best of both worlds.
Some other recommendations are Dauphin Island, Alabama and Port Aransas, Texas. The former is better if you prefer a calmer and more rooted lifestyle. And, Port A is more suitable for buyers who don’t mind a lively small-town especially during peak seasons. The median sale price is also within $265K to $305K; very satisfactory.
4. Pacific Northwest
Long Beach, Washington is our favorite from this region. The coast isn’t just about lounging in the hot sun. It encourages you to take long walks. Thanks to its salty air, dramatic skies, and cozy layers. And since it’s not the typical “tropical beach” fantasy, it can be easier on the wallet. So, you win both ways.
Image link: https://pixabay.com/photos/cyprus-larnaca-town-beach-4700342/
The beachfront is a big No if your goal is to save money. Stay a few minutes inland (or on the “mainland” near an island). The beach will still be within walking distance. so
Look for beaches with: free parking options (or cheap day passes), public access points, walkable areas, and nature-forward activities (sunrise walks, trails, wildlife viewing).
Do one “nice meal” a day and keep the rest easy: breakfast at your stay, snacks on the beach, a grocery run for basics. It keeps spending from silently doubling.
If the goal is “beach vibes + affordability,” lakes can be a cheat code. You can still get sand, swimming, sunset views, and that calm-water feeling with lower lodging costs and fewer crowds. You will have the lifestyle you are craving but at an extremely affordable price. You see, picturesque Powers Lake town is by default cheaper than beach-front towns. So, for the budget, you are getting a bigger and more luxurious property.
What we have learned is that affordable private-feeling beach towns do exist. You just have to choose places where the shoreline is bigger than the hype. Yes, don’t invest based on social media hype. Do your own research. Don’t hesitate to search inland for better deals.
